Based on the play of the same name by Maxim Gorky. A group of intellectuals, tired of noisy social events, gathers at the dacha. Relatives and friends intend to have a good time and restore peace of mind in the lap of nature. The dacha belongs to lawyer Basov and his wife Varvara Mikhailovna. Those present have known each other for a long time and at first they are happy to meet - they walk, talk, but soon everyone becomes bored talking about life, literature and gossiping about mutual friends. They come up with an idea - to organize a theatrical performance and thus amuse themselves. But this idea fails - the vacationers are unable to fully conduct rehearsals, they constantly conflict with each other, since each of them is sure that he deserves a leading role in the planned performance. In addition, those people who play minor roles attend rehearsals, but the “actors” playing the main characters do not come. As a result, the play will never be staged. Varvara Mikhailovna’s younger brother Vlas openly condemns the meaninglessness of the existence of his sister and her circle. The young man intends to become a completely different person, to benefit people without wasting time on vain reasoning. Vlas openly expresses his opinion to those around him, has all sorts of relationships with them, and leaves the lawyer’s house.
